Thermodynamics: Calculating mass of air over a change in pressure/temperature

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of air in a thermodynamic system, specifically focusing on changes in pressure and temperature within a vessel. The original poster presents a scenario involving a vessel with air at specified initial conditions and seeks to determine the mass of air after additional air is pumped in, leading to new pressure and temperature values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, as a potential approach to find the number of moles (n). There is uncertainty regarding the values to use for pressure, volume, and temperature, particularly whether they should represent differences or absolute values. Some participants express confusion about the constant n and its relevance in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the application of the ideal gas law. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the correct approach and calculations, with some expressing doubts about the results obtained. Guidance has been offered regarding unit conversions and the importance of using absolute temperature.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for a comprehensive list of thermodynamics equations, indicating a potential gap in resources or materials provided for their studies. The original poster notes that this is part of their revision for an upcoming exam, suggesting a time constraint and pressure to understand the concepts thoroughly.

MrNathan
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Homework Statement



A vessel of capacity 3 m3 contains air at a pressure of 1.5 bar and a
temperature of 25o C. Additional air is now pumped into the system until the
pressure rises to 30 bar and temperature rises to 60o C. The molar mass of air
is 28.968 g/mol.


Homework Equations



Calculate:
(i) The mass of air pumped into the system.

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure of the equation i should be using. I thought i should be using n=m/M but i do not know number of moles.

PS: This is my own revision and not homework. I have a University exam on monday and am struggling loads with thermodynamics. I feel I am missing a lot of the equations i should need, does anyone have a link to a list of them? The material my lecturers gave me is not very helpful.

Thanks
Any help appreciated

Nathan
 
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Try PV = nRT

AM
 
what is n though? is this not a constant? i am not given it in the question
 
Oh i see, use pv = nRT to work out n.

ok, so from n = PV/RT, am i right in assuming the values of p, V and T are the differences?

n = pV/RT so n = (2850000 x 3)/(8.314 x 35)
n = 29382.45

m = nM so m = 851150.9

Im sure this is wrong as it seems too large.
 
MrNathan said:
Oh i see, use pv = nRT to work out n.

ok, so from n = PV/RT, am i right in assuming the values of p, V and T are the differences?

n = pV/RT so n = (2850000 x 3)/(8.314 x 35)
n = 29382.45

You have to be careful of the units. 1.5 bar is 150 kPa = 150000 N/m^2

Temperature has to be in Kelvin: 25 C = 298 K

So:

n = \frac{PV}{RT} = \frac{150000 \times 3}{8.314 \times 298} = 181.6 \text{moles}

which looks about right.

AM
 
Last edited:
ah ok. thanks for the help. like i said above, do you have a directory on this site, or know a link to one, of all the thermodynamics equations?
 

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